Friday 9 October 2026 Independent MENA news since 2019

Category: Culture & Media

Culture & Media

Meta is officially testing a new, separate subscription tier for Instagram called “Instagram Plus.” This move, confirmed in late March 2026, marks a shift in Meta’s strategy by offering a paid version aimed at everyday power users rather than just creators or businesses (who typically use Meta Verified). Key Features of Instagram Plus The testing phase, currently live in select markets like the Philippines, Mexico, and Japan, includes several “super-user” tools: Anonymous Story Viewing: The ability to view someone’s Story without appearing in their viewer list. Story Rewatch Insights: Subscribers can see how many times their own Stories have been rewatched, rather than just the total view count. Extended Story Duration: Options to keep a Story active for an additional 24 hours (extending the total life to 48 hours). Story Spotlight: A “boost” feature that allows one Story per week to be pinned to the front of followers’ Story trays. Advanced Audience Lists: The ability to create multiple custom audience lists beyond the standard “Close Friends.” Enhanced Search: A search bar within your own Story viewer list to find specific accounts quickly. Pricing and Availability Cost: During the test, pricing is notably lower than Meta Verified, ranging from approximately $1.00 to $2.00 USD per month depending on the region. Rollout: Meta has not yet confirmed a global release date, stating they are using this pilot to see which features users value most before a wider launch. How it Differs from Meta Verified It is important to note that Instagram Plus is an entirely different product from the existing verification service: Feature Meta Verified Instagram Plus (Testing) Primary Goal Identity protection & Blue Check Enhanced App Experience & Insights Target Audience Creators, Brands, Public Figures General Power Users Cost ~$14.99/month ~$1.00 – $2.00/month (Test price) Core Perk Verification & Support Story Privacy & Reach Tools

March 31, 2026

   Meta is officially testing a new, separate subscription tier for Instagram called “Instagram Plus.” This move, confirmed…